SIXTY-ONE

"To me?"  Cate's blue eyes widened.  "No!  Jon... she doesn't need to..."

Jon pushed the phone closer.  "Here.  Take it."

"I don't want it!"  Cate recoiled.

"Cate!"  Jon's voice was now a desperate growl.  "Talk to her!  She won't believe me!"

Cate snorted.  "What makes you think she'll believe me?"

"She wants to talk to you!"  Jon was now half-panicked, his eyes wide.  "Come on!  She's waiting!"

Cate rolled her eyes.  "Oh... Fine."  Her shoulders slumped defeatedly as she reached to take the phone from Jon's hand.  She stuck out her tongue at her petulant husband before raising the device to her ear and speaking calmly.

"Hello, Carol.  How are you?"

The cheery chirped reply made Cate wince.  "Why hello, Cate!  Are you enjoying your vacation?"

I WAS.... Cate clenched her jaw to keep her honest reply from slipping out.  "Yes, very much.  And you?  I hear your plans changed."

"Oh Goodness, yes.  It was just too cold in Pennsylvania.  And we hadn't seen Therese and Louis in such a long time..."

Jon snickered at his wife's reaction as again she rolled her eyes while Carol prattled on with unrequested details of her vacation itinerary.  Cate shot her husband a dirty look before tuning back into what her mother-in-law was saying.

"That's nice, Carol.  I'm glad you're enjoying time with family."

"Yes, well.  It's lovely to see all these nieces and nephews, but I wish we had more of an opportunity to spend time with our Grandchildren on their break."  Carol's lament was followed by a heavy sigh.  Again Cate's nose wrinkled with silent impatience.  She had no choice but to take the bait.

"Carol, I'm sure the boys would love to see you and John.  Please come over and join us.  I understand you're only an hour away."

"Oh, I don't know, Cate.  I'd hate to intrude on your family time... After all, I know you don't get to spend much time with Johnny's boys.  Since you're always working..."

Cate shot another sideways glare at her husband.  He cringed apologetically though he couldn't hear the words that triggered his wife's stink-eye.

"You wouldn't be intruding, Carol."  Cate's lie was convincing.  "This is a family vacation, and you and John are family."

"But you have already made plans...."

"I'm sure we can get two more tickets to the luau."  Cate cut her off, impatient with Carol's fishing for sympathy.  "And tomorrow we have no concrete plans; we're just wandering around Epcot."

"Well..."

Cate didn't let Carol finish her thought.  "And as Jon said, we can easily get you a room at one of the resorts.  It will only take a phone call.  The VIP staff here is exceptional."

"But Cate, I know how you dislike having plans disrupted..."

"Carol... I insist."  It was all Cate could do to keep her tone pleasant.  "It's silly for us to debate this.  To have you here will be a lovely surprise for Jake and Romeo."  Cate turned and arched a brow at her husband.  "And I can tell Jon is very excited too.  He's sitting right here, smiling and nodding."  She gave her husband a smug smirk as his blue eyes narrowed in response to her veiled sarcasm.

"Well... if you're sure it won't be any trouble..."

"Not at all.  What time should we expect you?"

"Oh!"  Cate's direct query caught Carol off-guard.  "It's... half-past two now?  Oh my, by the time we pack our bags,  and load up the car, and say our goodbyes..."  Cate shook her head as she heard Carol address John Senior.  "When will we get there, John?"

"When are they coming?"  Jon whispered to Cate, realizing she was awaiting a response.  She shook her head again, listening to the murmur of background conversation.

"John says we should be there between four-thirty and five.  Traffic permitting."  Carol's voice sounded in Cate's ear, cheery and bright.  "My goodness, we'd better get a move on, then.  Is that alright with you, Cate?"

"Of course."  Cate answered levelly.  "I'll make sure Jon gets you a room now.  He can text you the details."

"Lovely."  Carol's laugh twittered in Cate's ear.  "See you then, Cate.  Give the boys our love."

"I will.  Drive safely."  Cate lowered her chin, giving Jon a pointed look.  "Here's Jon... he wants to speak to you again.  See you soon."

Not waiting for Carol's reply, Cate handed the phone back to her husband.  "They'll be here in two hours.  You've got work to do."

Jon sighed and nodded.  "Sorry, Baby," he mouthed before speaking into the phone.

Cate echoed his sigh, then turned her gaze toward the pool.  An amused smile played over her lips as she watched her stepsons frolicking in the water.  Though they loved her dearly, even Jacob and Romeo quickly tired of their grandmother's overbearing demeanor during her frequent visits.  The boys would be happier to see their laid-back grandfather.

A full five minutes later Jon finished the call.  With a groan he slumped back against his chaise, raising a hand to cover his eyes before swiping down his face.

"Ohhhh.... what have we done?"

Cate shot him a sideways look.  "She's your mother."

"Exactly."  Jon raised his arm, inspecting the dial on his wrist.  "If we leave now, just throw our shit in the car and drive like crazy, we can be halfway to the Georgia line before they hit town."

That made Cate snicker.  Her expression softened.  As much as Carol had annoyed her with her self-serving drama, this visit wasn't the end of the world. 

"You wanted a family vacation.  Now you got it." 

Jon grimaced and turned his head toward Cate.  He gave her a gentle smile and reached for her hand.  She smiled back when his fingers twined with hers.

"Sorry, Baby."

"S'okay.  It will be fine.  Maybe even fun."

"I hope so."  Jon squeezed Cate's hand and sighed quietly again.  "At least we don't have anything big planned.  The luau thing tonight... what do you want to do with them tomorrow night?  I can ask the concierge to find us tickets for a show or something...."

Cate shrugged.  "I don't know.  We were just planning to go back to Epcot, weren't we?  Eat somewhere there, then see the Illuminations show?"

"Yeah, I guess."  Jon nodded, his lips pursing thoughtfully.  He was silent for a moment before his mouth curved, a slow smile spreading across his face.  "Orrrr......"

"What?"

"Mom and Dad can take the Chuckleheads back to Epcot for dinner and that show thing.  Then we can go out for dinner somewhere else.  Just us."  Jon gave his wife a self-satisfied smirk.  "Maybe them staying here ain't such a bad idea, after all.  Free babysitting."

"Jon, don't you think your parents will want...." 

Cate paused her dissent, realizing she didn't disagree with her husband's plan.  They had been on vacation for a full week with very little time alone.  They had spent nearly every waking minute with Jacob and Romeo.  Now John and Carol were invading their trip and would undoubtedly push the Bongiovi Family Vacation to a new level of togetherness. 

Yes, she and Jon were definitely due a grown-up date night.

"What?"

"Nothing."  Cate shook her head vigorously and flipped open her iPad's cover.  She tapped the Disney dining icon.  "Where do you want to eat?  I'll make a reservation."

*****

Jacob dropped his backpack on the floor of the little cubicle and slouched against the wall.  He fixed his younger brother with a moody glare as Romeo bounced beside him.  As much as the sycophantic little brat was just asking for a slap, Jake knew he would quickly draw his father's ire if he acted on his impulse.  The boy sighed again and dropped his gaze to the carpeted floor as the elevator doors slid shut.

"What's wrong, Jake?"

His stepmother's query elicited a shrug and a mumbled response.  "Nuthin'."

"Hey."  Jon's quiet syllable was a command.  Jacob raised his chin and looked up at his father, his expression flat.

Jon fought the urge to frown at the boy's demeanor.  Jacob had actually been fun to be around this past week, having let go of his pre-teen sullenness.  Jon wasn't thrilled to see a hint of that attitude in his son's blue eyes.  "What?"

"Nothing," Jacob repeated.

"Then what's with the mopes?"

"Nothing."  Jake answered, more insistently.  "Jeez..."

"Jake doesn't wanna go with Nana and Poppy," Romeo announced.

"Shut up," Jake grumbled, giving into the urge to give Romeo a little shove.

"Stop it!" Romeo protested.  "Dad!"

Seeing Jacob's annoyance with his sibling, Jon ignored the minor physical contact.  "Why not?"

Jake shrugged again, offering no verbal response.

"He doesn't wanna stay at the Old People Hotel," Romeo replied helpfully.  "Jakey said it sucks."

"Romeo!"  Jon gave the younger boy a stern look.  "I didn't ask YOU."  He returned his attention to Jacob.  "What's wrong with the Grand Floridian?  It's the fanciest hotel here."

Jacob sighed noisily and rolled his eyes.  "Dad, will you just.... I said, nothin's wrong!  Jesus!"

"Hey!" Jon growled a warning at his now-petulant son.

Cate saw it was time for her to intercede.  She gave Jon's forearm a warning squeeze as she calmly addressed Jacob.

"Jake, it's just for one night.  And you'll hardly even be in the room.  Your grandparents are going to take you guys back to Epcot for dinner and the light show.  By the time you get back it will probably be midnight."

Jacob turned his face to his stepmother's, his expression half-pleading.  "But we were with them all day.  Why can't you and Dad take us?"

Jon's stern countenance gentled.  He could empathize with his son; a full day of his mother's constant cheerful chatter had nearly driven him crazy.  He answered calmly.

"Because.  Nana and Pop came here to spend time with you guys.  And Cate and I could use a little alone time."

Jake shrugged again, then looked from his father to his stepmother and back again.  Seeing their encouraging smiles, the boy sighed.  He knew what "alone time" meant, considering his and his brother's forced evacuation of the villa for the night.  Plus, his father hadn't been able to keep his hands off of Cate all day.  It was kinda gross.

"Why can't they just stay with us at the villa?"  Jacob arched a brow, wondering if his father would give him a straight answer.

"Because.  They like the Grand Floridian," Jon replied evasively.  "And it's closer to Epcot.  You guys can take the monorail back."

Jacob rolled his eyes and dropped his chin again.  He prodded at his backpack with the toe of his sneaker.  "Whatever."

Feeling Jon's arm tense under her hand, Cate quickly spoke up.  "It's just a few hours, Jake.  Most of which you'll be sleeping.  Your Dad and I are coming for breakfast in the morning."  She gave Jon a sidelong glance, silently warning him to keep his cool.  She could fully understand Jake's reticence to spend another twelve hours with his grandmother, even while unconscious.

"Yeah.  Tomorrow we'll head out early to Magic Kingdom, so we'll be back here before you know it." Jon agreed, nodding.  His voice had gentled, sympathetic to Jacob's true motive.  "And if Nana gets to be too much tonight, just hang with Pop.  He'll protect you.  He gets it."  Jon waited for Jacob to look up, then gave the boy a wink.

"Nana said she's gonna buy us ice cream," Romeo announced happily. 

Jon snorted.  "Yeah, well... if she does, it's at her own risk."  He shot Cate a sideways smirk.

"Can't you just come back and get us after you have dinner?"  Jake tried once more, though he knew the attempt was futile.  "Please?"

"Sorry, Bud.  We're gonna be out late."  Jon reached up to cover Cate's hand on his arm with his own hand.  "I feel like puttin' on my boogie shoes."

Romeo giggled along with Cate's throaty chuckle.

"Dinner and dancing?  Wow.  This is gonna be some night, huh?"  Cate's tease was playful, her lips curved in amusement.

"You know it, Baby."  Jon grinned, then returned his attention to his boys.  "Look, guys.  We've spent every minute together since we left home.  Cate and I just want a few kid-free hours, okay?  To enjoy the grown-up stuff here.  We can't exactly drag you along to nightclubs, ya know.  And Nana and Poppy want to spend time with you.  So it's a win-win situation." 

He nodded, encouraging their agreement.  When neither boy followed his lead, Jon resorted to bribery.  "Plus, you get ice cream..."

"Yeah, okay.  Whatever."  Jake sighed defeatedly.  He had known when they left the villa with pajamas and toothbrushes in their packs that protest was futile.  That was why he had kept his silence.  Until his father started this whole debate, anyway.

"Jakey..." Jon's comment was interrupted by the quiet ding of the elevator, announcing their arrival on the fifth floor.  Jacob stooped to pick up his backpack as the doors swooshed open.

Cate and Romeo filed out of the car, followed by Jacob, then Jon.  As the doors closed behind them Jon stopped Jake's shuffle with a hand on his shoulder.  He stooped to speak quietly in the boy's ear.

"Listen, Jake.... I know.  Sometimes your Nana is a bit... much."

Jake sighed.  "She treats us like babies, Dad."

"I know, I know.  But that's just how she is.  Hell, she still treats me like her Baby Boy.  And I'm a helluva lot older than you."  Jon's heart warmed as he felt Jacob chuckle.  "Look, I'm sorry, Bud.  But we just... Cate and I... well, we just need a night together.  Alone.  Capice?"

Jacob rolled his eyes, though his father couldn't see.   

"Yeah, Dad.  I get it.  You're horny.  Just... do what you gotta do."

Jon couldn't stop a snort of laughter at his son's resigned reply.  He gave the boy's shoulder a gentle shake, then  prodded him to resume his shuffle down the long hallway toward the senior Bongiovis' suite.  Ahead of them, Romeo skipped ahead of Cate. 

Jon's grin broadened as Cate glanced back over her shoulder at him, then continued her stroll.  His blue eyes dropped to her derriere, which swayed enticingly beneath a swishy, mid-thigh skirt with her slow, high-heeled gait.  He chuckled huskily before murmuring his wry defense to Jake.

"Well, can you blame me?  I mean, come on..."

"Dad.  Eww."  Jacob's faux-disgust was only half-convincing through his smirk.  He had mostly gotten over his embarrassment from his accidental peep-show earlier in the week.  But that incident aside, he was a typical pre-teen boy.  It wasn't like he couldn't appreciate his stepmother's assets.

"But you're still abandoning us with Nana."

"I'll make it up to you tomorrow.  Promise." 

Jake turned his head, his smirk still in place.  "It's gonna cost ya, ya know."

"I have no doubt."  Jon chortled, his heart squeezing pridefully as he saw himself mirrored in his son's demeanor.  The kid really was his spitting image.  "No doubt at all."

Leaving his hand on Jacob's shoulder, Jon followed him down the hall.

Fifteen minutes later Jon and Cate were hustling back down that same hallway, hand-in-hand.  Having handed over custody of Jacob and Romeo to the Bongiovi grandparents, they had done their best to avoid entanglement in a discussion of the evening's events as they backed out the door.  They had been only partially successful on that front.

When they reached the elevator, Jon stabbed impatiently at the button then guided Cate into the car when it arrived.  They shared a brief, chuckling kiss in the momentary seclusion before striding through the Grand Floridian's ornate lobby.  Jon's arm circled Cate's waist while they waited at the hotel entrance for a cab.  Both their faces wore the matching blissful smiles of temporarily child-free parents.

They spoke little during the cab ride from the resort to the Japanese restaurant Jon had chosen for dinner.  They sat close together, Jon's hand on Cate's knee and hers on his dark denim-sheathed thigh.  By the end of the fifteen-minute drive Cate's skirt had somehow shortened from its modest, top-of-the-knee length to barely covering her hip.  Jon's hand rested not on filmy, feathery nylon but on tanned, stockingless flesh.

Dinner at the teppanyaki-style restaurant was delightful.  Jon and Cate were seated at the side of a large hibachi grill-top, along with a family of six from Minnesota.  The star-struck parents could hardly believe their dining experience included the company of an international rock star and his wife, but their teenaged boys were less awed and more engaging. 

Jon was immediately enamored of the adorable twin six-year-old girls, with whom he drew pictures on napkins.  By the time the chef arrived the Bongiovis and the Ericksons were happy companions, and they enjoyed a fantastic two-and-a-half-hour meal together.  They parted cheerfully after a round of photographs of Jon with the family, children, parents, chefs, and waitstaff. 

At the restaurant's coat check, Cate chuckled softly as Jon retrieved her wrap.  "So much for a kid-free dinner, huh?"

Jon nodded, grinning.  "Yeah, but it was fun.  Nice family.  And when they're not your kids it's easy."  He shook out the black-and-gold shawl, holding it as Cate turned her back to him.  After settling the wrap across her shoulders Jon leaned down to nuzzle at her ear.  "And you know what a sucker I am for little girls."

Cate's heart warmed.  "Yeah, I know.  They were cute, weren't they?"

"Adorable.  But not as cute as ours will be."

Cate turned and gave him an amused smile, one brow lifted.  "Oh, so you want twins now?"

"Sure.  Why not?  Double the fun."

Cate snorted.  "How about double the stretchmarks.  Not to mention double the work."

Jon reached for Cate's waist, turning her toward him and stepping close.  She felt her lips curve and couldn't stop a soft sigh as the heady scent of his cologne filled her senses.

"Nah.  That stuff's easy.  But I'll be happy with just one if she's as beautiful as you."

Cate's sapphire eyes sparkled as she looked up at his sexy, tender smile.  Her smile.  She felt her knees wobble.  Damn.  He could still do that to her.

She couldn't resist.  Resting a hand against Jon's chest, Cate leaned up to kiss him.  His breath against her mouth sent a shiver through her.  It was delicious.

When she pulled back, Jon grinned.  As much as he wanted his wife physically, this playful, tender soul-connection they shared this evening was more exciting.  It had been a long time since they had shared an evening of fun, just the two of them.

"So... you ready to go hit the floor?"  Jon gave his wife a blue-eyed wink.

Cate blinked.  She hadn't thought he was serious when he mentioned nightclubbing earlier.  All day Jon had been murmuring in her ear salacious hints of his naughty after-dinner plans that included neither dance floors nor clothing.  "Umm... what?"

"Dancin', Baby."  Jon grinned at her surprise.  "I told ya, I got my boogie shoes on."

"You were serious?  You want to go to a club?"  Cate gave her auburn head a little toss, as if to shake away her befuddlement.

"Sure.  Why not?  The night is young."

"Uh... okay.  I'm game if you are."

Jon chuckled and stepped back, turning to stand beside her.  A hand slipped to the small of her back and he guided Cate toward the restaurant's entrance.  "We don't have to stay long.  Just have a drink, listen to some music, soak up a little atmosphere... I'm just in a mood to have a little party.  Before the real party."

Cate smiled.  "Okay.  But do you even know what nightclubs are around here?  I can't really see you enjoying some rave place where they have some crazy deejay wearing an electronic Mickey-Mouse head."

He laughed.  "I asked the concierge at the Floridian, when we were waiting this morning.  She said the Hard Rock has a pretty good dance club.  For old people like us, anyway."

"Oh, us 'Old People'? What, does it play music at a reasonable volume and have an Early-Bird buffet?"  Cate wisecracked as she stepped through the restaurant's doorway and nodded her thanks at the attendant holding the door for them.

"Yeah, somethin' like that," Jon agreed with a grin.  "She said they play a good mix of music, though.  A little hip-hop, a little pop, a little Motown, a little rock-n-roll... Place is called the Velvet Lounge or something."

Cate giggled as they stepped up to the taxi stand.  "How cliche'.  A rock star at the Hard Rock Lounge."

"Hey, at least we know we'll get good service."

"I would hope so."  Cate chuckled.  "At least a decent table, away from the dance floor."

Jon let his hand slide downward.  He gave Cate's behind a reassuring pat.  "Baby, I'm pretty sure they can find us one of those fancy booths.  You know, with the heavy curtains and the velvet ropes?"  His hand curved to give one cheek a squeeze and his voice dropped to a sultry croon.  "You know how we rock stars like our... privacy."

Cate smirked.  "Oh, you mean the VIP booths.  The ones with the personal waitresses wearing hot pants and go-go boots.  With big tits."

"That's the one."  Jon smirked dirtily.

"Of course it is."  Cate chuckled and stepped forward as a taxi pulled to the curb.  The valet attendant tugged open the car's back door and chivalrously offered a hand of assistance.  Cate thanked him, stepping down off the curb and ducking into the cab.  Jon followed, handing the young man a folded bill before climbing in next to his wife.

"Velvet Lounge, please.  Hard Rock.  Private party entrance."  Jon instructed the driver.

"Yes Sir."

"Take your time.  We're in no hurry."  Jon dropped a hand to Cate's knee.  It slid smoothly up her thigh as he turned his head and covered her mouth with his.

The cabbie glanced in the rear view mirror and smirked.  "Yes Sir."

A breathless ten minutes later Jon and Cate exited the cab outside the Hard Rock Cafe's entrance.  A queue of nightclub-goers stretched across the sidewalk, the line parted by a velvet-roped corridor that led directly to an unmarked door.  Though his eyes were shielded by sunglasses, Jon's dazzling smile immediately attracted the onlookers' attention.  An excited, squeal-filled rumble followed Cate and Jon as they were escorted to and through the private entrance.

Inside the club a slightly-startled blonde greeted the Bongiovis with a smile and an immediate call to her Manager.  In seconds a sleek-suited Hispanic man had appeared by her side, heartily welcoming Jon and Cate to the Velvet Lounge.  After a clipped one-way conversation into a radio, the Manager escorted his unexpected guests into the club.  They followed a rope-lined track around the perimeter of the huge, packed room, then climbed a quintet of steps onto a raised dais to the side of the dance floor, opposite the deejay stand. 

With a flourish the Manager presented the Bongiovi's "table"; a curved zebra-print velvet-upholstered sectional couch, sunken into the dais' floor.  The seating circle was fronted by an oval glass-and-chrome cocktail table adorned with two small crimson-shaded lamps and an embossed-leather covered menu.  A cluster of jewel-toned faux-candles flickered on a huge chrome platter in the center of the table.

Jon stepped down into the pit, then steadied Cate as she carefully descended the two steps to the black-carpeted floor.  He waited until she was seated before turning to the Manager, leaning close to be heard above the pounding dance music.  The Manager nodded and bowed slightly, then hustled away.  Jon turned to Cate and gave her a broad grin before easing down on the couch next to her.

"What did you say to him?" Cate asked.  She was mildly surprised that the club noise seemed to be lessened now that she was seated on the couch.  Apparently the carpeted pit provided some sort of sound-reduction effect.

"I just told him we weren't expecting anyone else, and to send over a bottle of wine."

"Jon, I'm not..."

Jon smiled and pressed a finger against her lips, silencing the expected protest.  "The wine is for me.  Though they'll probably bring two glasses."

"Oh."  Cate smiled sheepishly. 

"But you're welcome to join me."  Jon raised a brow.  "I know, the hormone therapy and all that... But Dr. Klein has told you time and again that a drink here and there won't do a bit of harm.  Hell, it may be a good thing."

"I know."  Cate sighed softly.  "But I just wonder... As hard as it's been..."

"Shhh."  Jon again silenced her with a gentle finger.  "Not tonight."

Cate gazed into Jon's glittering blue eyes and sighed.  Her lips puckered against his finger in a gentle kiss, then she reached up to pull his hand downward, to her lap.  Her fingers twined between his.  "Not tonight," she agreed softly.

"So... do you want a drink?"  Jon nodded toward the folder on the table.  "I know you're not a fan of my P.G., so how about something else?  A fruity rum thing or somethin'?"

Cate's eyes moved to the menu, then she shrugged.  "I guess so.  Sure.  Why not?"  She leaned forward to pick up the folder with her free hand.  When she pulled it back to her lap Jon helpfully opened the folder's front.  Together they perused the long list of custom cocktails.

"How about a pina colada?" Jon offered helpfully.  "Or a daiquiri, or something?"

Cate wrinkled her nose and shook her head.  "Nah.  I can get those anywhere."

"Okay.  Mai Tai?  Or, how about this?"  Jon pointed to a bright blue drink.  "Gin, vodka, rum blue curacao, sweet and sour..."

"Jesus, Jon!" Cate gasped.  "If I drink that thing I'll be on the floor!"

Jon laughed, shaking his head.  "Oh yeah, I forgot.  Your booze tolerance ain't quite what it used to be.  Okay..."  He flipped the page and scanned the photos and text.  His face lit up with a grin and he stabbed a finger at a line of print beside a photo of a ruby-colored cocktail.  "Aha!  Here ya go.  Perfect.  'Red-Headed Groupie'." 

"What?" Cate half-laughed.  "What the hell is that?"

"Vodka, peach schnapps, cranberry juice, lime.  See? Nothin' too strong.  I used to have these things all the time, but they were called somethin' else."

Cate snorted.  "Oh, not a 'red-headed'... whatever?"

"Groupie."  Jon gave Cate a lecherous grin.  "But I've had my share of those, too.  I highly recommend them.  Sweet but a little sassy.  Especially the one I married."

Cate couldn't help but laugh at her husband's sly comment.  He had her there.

"Alright, then.  Red-headed Groupie it is."

As if on cue a waitress appeared.  She carefully made her way down the steps into the pit, then lowered a tray bearing an ice-ring ensconced bottle of white wine and two black wine glasses onto the cocktail table.  When the leggy blonde bent over to deposit the drinks, she purposely gave Jon a full-on shot of her ample cleavage, which was barely contained by a black bra beneath a neck-slit, tightly-tied, midriff-baring white Hard Rock t-shirt.

Cate snorted and elbowed Jon in the ribs.  Her description of the waitress had been dead-on accurate, right down to the hot pants and go-go boots.  Jon gave his wife a sidelong grin.

"Would you like me to pour for you?"  The blonde inquired, not bothering to straighten before speaking.

"No thanks." Jon chuckled.  "What's your name?"

"Tisha."

"I got it from here, Tisha."  Jon gave the waitress a smile.  "But my wife would like a cocktail."

The corner of Tisha's crimson-painted mouth twitched at Jon's emphasis on the word, but she turned her smile to Cate.  "What can I get you?"

Cate chuckled.  "I'll try the Redheaded Groupie."

"Sure."  Tisha straightened and pulled a black cocktail napkin from the tiny faux-leather bar apron slung low across her hips.  She dropped the napkin onto the glass tabletop next to the wine tray.  "Have you had it before?  It can be a little tart.  I can bring you a glass of Sprite if you want to sweeten it."

Jon couldn't resist.  "Always been good for me.  I like 'em a little tarty."

Cate rolled her eyes and elbowed Jon again.  She gave the waitress an apologetic smile.  "That would be great.  Thanks."

"Okay.  Anything else?"

"I think that covers it."

"Be right back."  With another sultry-eyed stare at Jon the waitress climbed back up the steps and headed for the bar.

"You're awful," Cate sighed, crossing her legs.  With the movement her skirt slipped toward her hips, revealing more of her own tanned thigh.  "And that girl isn't much older than your daughter."

"Which means she's of legal age," Jon countered.  "So I'm in the clear, checking out her tits.  Which she clearly wanted me to do, I might add."

Cate snorted.  "That also puts you in the 'Dirty Old Man' category, Baby."

"So be it."  Jon chuckled and wiggled his fingers free of Cate's on her lap.  His palm curved over her thigh, his fingers slipping toward the edge of her hem.  He leaned closer to Cate's ear.  "Remind me later, when you're screaming my name as I fuck you silly... just how old and dirty I am."

A flush heated Cate's cheeks at Jon's sexy rasp.  Her lips curved into an anticipatory smirk as the delicious visual filled her mind, of their sweaty, sinewy bodies entwined beneath the filmy white canopy that tented that spectacular bed.  Oh, yes.  The villa wouldn't be quiet tonight.  It would be filled with the sounds of passion.

She turned her head, until her lips brushed his cheek.  "We're not going to stay here long, are we?"

"Not if you don't want to."

Cate pulled her face back from his and looked into Jon's eyes.  Her pulse jumped at their fiery gleam.

"Just a drink and a dance, maybe?"

"Sure, Baby."  Jon drawled.  His smirk turned sexy as his hand slid a little higher on her thigh, beneath her skirt.  His pinky finger tunneled into the crease of her crossed thighs, sliding against moist, heated lace.

She was already wet.  This was gonna be one helluva night.

When Tisha returned with Cate's drink, Jon casually pulled his hand away and leaned forward to pour himself a glass of wine.  After the waitress departed, the couple toasted the night to come, then settled back against the velvet zebra cushions to watch the dance floor.  Casually the chatted and drank, sharing sweet kisses and sexy murmurs.  Finally Jon realized he had to get up and move, or he might not be able to walk out of this place with any semblance of decorum.

"C'mon, Baby.  Let's dance."

Cate wrinkled her nose.  "You wanna dance to this?"

Jon paused, realizing he hadn't even noticed what music was playing.  He had been so focused on flirting with his wife that he had tuned out the world around them.  "What is it?"  He frowned.  Whatever it was, the noise from the speakers certainly wasn't music.

"Kanye."  Cate spit out the name. 

Jon's lips pursed as he listened.  He nodded slowly, finally recognizing a few words in the din.  "Yeah, maybe not.  Next song."

"If it's better than this shit," Cate commented.

"Doesn't it have to be?"  Jon chuckled with his disparagement.  "By definition?"

Cate nodded and sipped from her drink before responding.  "We'll see what the song is.  I don't want you to hurt yourself, shakin' your ass to something too wild."

"What, you sayin' I'm so old I might break a hip or somethin'?"  Jon delivered the line in a cranky-old-man voice.

"It could happen..." Cate laughed her reply.  "No, I just hope they play something decent to dance to."

"Well, whaddya want?  Some Gaga?  Jay-Tee?  Bee-yon-SAY?"  Jon grinned with his exaggerated pronunciations.

"Depends on the song.  I could handle most of those."

"Well, I'm sure the deejay takes requests..."  Jon paused as he heard another beat fade in, a transition to a new song.  It sounded promisingly familiar.  "Oh, well.  Hello.  I think this might fit the bill..."  He winked at Cate, then slid to the edge of the sofa.  With a soft grunt he stood and turned to offer her his hand.

"You can dance to this?"  Cate chuckled, accepting Jon's help in escaping the soft, deep couch.  She smoothed the skirt of her cocktail dress down to its proper state, then smiled at her husband.

"Come find out."  Jon winked, then led Cate up out of their VIP pit and over to the crowded dance floor.  They found a spot near the edge, while all around them young men and women bounced and grooved to the opening bars of P!nk's "Get the Party Started." 

Cate giggled when Jon turned to face her, then started to wiggle his hips in his characteristic rock-star shimmy.  She shook her head, realizing her husband was impossibly dance-impaired.  But he certainly made the most of what he had.  Following his lead, Cate began to sway and groove, letting the music fill her up and loosen her inhibitions.

Pumpin' up the volume

Breakin' down to the beat

Cruisin' through the West Side

We'll be checkin' the scene

Boulevard is freakin' as I'm comin' up fast

I'll be burnin' rubber you'll be KISSIN' MY ASS!!!

Cate and Jon laughed as the youthful crowd shouted the line.  Jon raised his fist in solidarity with the sentiment, then pursed his lips into his unconscious duck-mouth and half-closed his eyes.  He grooved harder, bending his knees and hopping as his arms windmilled around him.  Cate laughed again, her blue eyes sparkling merrily as she watched him enjoying himself.  She shook her head again as she noticed what was going on around her exuberant husband.

Behind Jon, a group of eight young women had noticed his antics and formed a semi-circle as they checked him out.  It was clear from their excited grins and exchanged gleeful glances that they had recognized Jon Bon Jovi in their midst.  Three of the girls had pulled out their smartphones and were now holding them aloft, undoubtedly capturing Jon's dancing on video.

Realizing the women were doing no harm, Cate pushed back her instinct to intervene.  Instead she danced closer to Jon, ducking to avoid his flailing arms as she reached for his waist.  When he felt her hand on his belly Jon muted his movements and leaned in to hear what he could see she wanted to say.

"Turn around!"  Cate half-shouted near Jon's ear, to be heard above the music.

"Why?"

"Just... turn around!"  Cate grinned at Jon, giving him an encouraging nod.  He followed her bidding, revolving to find himself face-to-face with a bevy of beaming young women.  When they saw they had his attention, the group threw up their arms and beckoned him to join them.

Grinning ear-to-ear, Jon melodramatically flung his arms wide in a stage-pose of appreciation.  Then with a toss of his head he danced toward the women.

Cate shook her hair back as she laughed, then took a few steps back to give Jon space for his impromptu dance-floor harem.  She watched, grinning broadly, as her goofy husband took turns dancing with each young lady, taking her hand and spinning her around.  Then as the women surrounded him in a group-dance circle he shimmied with them, pausing to blow a kiss at his wife.

Jon's antics were quickly noticed, and by the time the song neared its end there were several dozen phones held aloft, recording the event.  Realizing it was time for the encounter to end, Jon slowed, then stopped dancing.  He offered feigned applause to his octet of dance partners, giving each a gentlemanly bow and a kiss on the hand.  Finally, he posed for a trio of selfie-photos before Cate stepped forward and offered to take a group portrait with one girl's phone.   After that, the women reluctantly waved their rockstar-for-the-moment back to his wife.

His broad grin and sparkling blue eyes made Cate's heart melt as her husband stepped over and pulled her close.  With his arms around her waist Jon rocked in time to the music, moving her with him as his lips found her ear.

"Well, that was fun."

Cate giggled and moved her mouth close to his ear.  "You certainly gave them a thrill.  You probably made their year.  And it's gonna be all over the internet in about three minutes."

"Good."  Jon pulled back his face long enough to give Cate a saucy grin.  Then he dipped his head to give her a long kiss.  Cate could feel dozens of pairs of eyes on them as Jon's mouth slipped over hers.  She blushed.

When he broke contact, Cate dropped her forehead against Jon's shoulder.  She could feel him chuckle at her modesty.  His hand rubbed soothingly over the small of her back. 

"Ready to go?"  Jon bowed his head to speak near her ear.  Cate nodded and raised her head, giving him a conspiratorial smile.  Jon dropped his forehead against hers, then started to step back, just as the music changed. 

His lips curved into a sexy smirk as he recognized the tune, one he had heard over and over and over again thanks to his daughter's obsession with the song.  It had driven him crazy most of the year, but as a songwriter he admired the simple genius of the melody. It was a perfect pop song:  catchy and sexy and impossible to get out of your head.

And he couldn't walk away from the dance floor while it was playing.

"One more, Baby." Jon crooned to Cate, his blue eyes flashing and his softly-stubbled cheeks dimpling with his sexy grin.  "Then we'll go."

Cate couldn't help but smile.  She knew this one too.  She nodded, then let Jon lead.  He took her hand and stepped back, guiding Cate into a slow, shimmying turn.

Hey Hey Hey...

Hey Hey Hey...

Hey Hey Hey...

If you can't hear what I'm trying to say

If you can read from the same page

Maybe I'm going deaf

Maybe I'm going blind

Maybe I'm out of my mind...

Cate giggled as she saw Jon's perfect mouth forming the lyrics.  He danced closer to her and pulled Cate into a traditional couples-dance position.  His free hand slid to the small of her back as their hips rocked in unison to the uptempo beat.

"You know this one?"  Cate murmured teasingly into her husband's ear. 

"Mmmm Hmmm..." he hummed before crooning his own version of the lyrics back to her.

I know you want it

I know you want it

I know you want it

But you're a good girl

The way you grab me

You wanna get nasty

Can't wait to get at me...

Cate chuckled at his musical foreplay.  Again she felt the tingle of sexual anticipation.  She took a half-step back, separating her body from Jon's before smoothly turning until her back was against his front. 

Welcoming the new pose, Jon circled her waist with his arm and pulled her back against his hips, rocking them together.  Cate smirked and raised her arm, reaching behind Jon's head to tangle her fingers in his soft blonde shag.  She could feel his chest heaving against her back, their contact heightening his arousal.  Her own body heated as Jon crooned dirtily in her ear.

What do they make dreams for

When you got them jeans on

What do they need steam for

You're the hottest bitch in this place

I feel so lucky..

You wanna fuck me...

You're gonna fuck me...

"Hey hey hey..." Cate gasped in breathless agreement with Jon's explicit lyrics.  Instinctively she arched her back, grinding her ass harder against Jon's pelvis as they rocked together.  He was holding her so close that the movement was hardly noticeable, but it was enough to send a jolt through his already-eager cock.  Jon growled agreeably against Cate's neck, grinning at her reaction.

"Easy, Baby... save the twerkin' for later. Not here where everybody can watch..."

Cate felt her cheeks heat again.  "Oh God..." Her gaze darted around, praying no one had noticed.

Jon felt her stiffen in his arms. Realizing she had taken his joke literally, he quickly backpedaled.

"Baby... I'm kidding!"  Jon chuckled softly in her ear, hoping to convince her before the moment was lost.  "But that was fuckin' hot."  He growled for good measure. 

"Nobody...?" Her question was breathless.

"No," he countered before she could continue.  "Just me."  Jon felt Cate relax a bit, and took the opportunity.  He guided her to turn again in his arms, then pulled her close.  "Let's get outta this place."

"Okay," she agreed, nodding.  "I'm ready."

"Baby, you have no idea how ready I am..."  Jon's blue eyes blazed as he lowered his forehead to Cate's.  "I wanna get you back to that villa... NOW."

She purred softly, the intensity of his stare sparking another surge of heat from her core.  She pressed her hips harder against Jon's, savoring his reaction.  "Let's go."

Without answering, Jon stepped back and turned away, capturing her hand as he moved.  He led Cate back to their table, where he gulped down the remainder of his wine and tossed a hundred-dollar bill on the table.  Together the couple strode purposefully back along the path to the private entrance, Cate pulling her shawl across her shoulders as they moved. 

When they reached the hostess stand the Bongiovis were informed it would be a few moments until the attendant hailed them a cab.  Jon's breathing was ragged as he shuffled impatiently next to the door.  He slipped an arm around Cate and gave her a half-desperate, conspiratorial smile.  She nodded her agreement.  Hurry the fuck up!

The buzz against her hip made Cate start.  She looked down, then realized its source.

"Baby, you have a message."

"Huh?"

"Your phone.  Didn't you feel it buzz?  Just now?  In your pocket?"

"Cate, I can only feel one thing right now.  And it ain't in my pocket."  Jon gave her a wry smirk, then slipped his arm from around her waist.  He fished his leather-covered iPhone from his jeans and swiped a finger across the screen.  Immediately the phone buzzed again, followed closely by another three alerts.

"Musta had a bad signal in there," Jon muttered.  "It's from Dad, an hour ago."  His eyes narrowed and he frowned.   "What the.... Fuck!"

Cate's eyes widened at his exclamation.  "What?  Is everything okay?"

"I... Yeah, but... Sonofabitch!"  Jon growled his displeasure, then raised a hand to rake through his hair, his typical annoyance tell. 

"Jon, what?"

Jon turned his blazing eyes and tight-lipped expression to Cate.  Then he held up his phone, displaying the series of text messages he had just perused.  "Mom and Dad.  Guess where they are?"

Cate shook her head, her brow furrowing with concern.  "I don't know..."

"At the motherfucking Villa.  The boys convinced them to go back there.  And now they're staying the night."

"What?  How...?

"I have no fucking idea.  But when I get my hands on those little Shits..."  Jon growled and again tugged his hand through his shaggy bangs.  "Jake.  He didn't want to stay at the Floridian.  I swear to God..."

Cate bit back a chuckle.  She could see her husband was about to explode with frustration, both parental and sexual.  She wasn't thrilled about this unexpected turn of events either, being more than a little turned on herself.  But it was what it was.

"Baby... take it easy.  You don't know how this all happened.  Maybe it wasn't the Boys."

"Yeah, right."  Jon snapped the cover of his phone shut and turned to face Cate.  "What the fuck are we gonna do now?"

This time she couldn't stop the chuckle from slipping out.  As angry as Jon was, he was rather adorable in his ruffled state.  "What do you mean, what're we gonna do?  We're gonna go home, Jon.  Back to our Villa.  We'll just have to be really, really quiet."

"Cate, we can't go back there and..." Jon halted, suddenly realizing the hostess was within earshot of his rant.  He lowered his voice.  "My Mom doesn't sleep.  At all.  She hears one tiny little sound and she's up.  Hell, she's probably sitting up waiting for us now.  And the boys probably aren't even in bed.  I betcha they're watching a movie with Dad."  His explanation was delivered through clenched teeth.  "And I'm in no fucking mood to be quiet."

The spark in his blue eyes made Cate's womb clench.  She had to admit she wasn't exactly looking forward to another night of chastity, either.  But what other choice did they have?  Even if they did send John and Carol back to the Grand Floridian, there would be no reason for Jake and Romeo to go with them.

"So, what are we gonna do?"  Cate sighed softly.  "What can we do?"

"Sir, your taxi is here."  The hostess interrupted politely.  "When you're ready."

Jon nodded curtly in acknowledgement.  He looked down to the phone clenched in his hand, then up at Cate, then back to the phone.  Suddenly his mouth curved into a sinister smirk.

"What?" Cate asked, half-startled by his sudden change of expression.

Jon reached for her hand.  "Get in the cab."